Fort Lauderdale, FL – February 24, 2017 – During a recent press conference White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, in response to a question about cannabis, suggested that while medical cannabis programs provide real benefits to the sick and suffering, recreational cannabis programs are very differently situated. Additionally, Spicer implied that the new Department of Justice, under Attorney General Jeff Sessions, would be seriously considering increased enforcement in recreational states- although it was unclear what that enforcement would be.

Greenspoon Marder recognizes that there are a number of possible interpretations of this messaging; however, we are hopeful that this does not mean a reassessment of the recreational market. Instead, we believe that Spicer’s statement was telegraphing increased enforcement of illegal conduct under the guise of the recreational program and of those acting outside of its regulated boundaries.

It is important to note that the administration, as part of this response, has now articulated specific support for medical cannabis and its long-recognized health benefits.

Additionally, we believe that the new Trump administration will not shut down the recreational markets in the existing states nor prevent the roll out in states that just recently voted for legalization in November 2016.

“Voters across the country have spoken loudly over the past few years in favor of having a regulated cannabis market,” says Gerald Greenspoon, Co-Managing Director of Greenspoon Marder.

It is our position that even if enforcement is expanded beyond the existing Cole Memo, the Trump administration will see the benefits of legalized cannabis programs, both medical and adult use, and will encourage the regulated part of the market to thrive.

“In states with legalization and a well-regulated program, we are witnessing increased tax revenue, creation of new jobs, both direct and indirect, including the establishment of both small, family run businesses, plus the development of new technology and scientific research- all things the new administration has spoken in favor of, and of benefit to the U.S. economy,” comments Greenspoon.

“Regulated cannabis has proven to be a success as well as a strong tool to end the illegal market. States have gotten it right each time and it is important to recognize this as a state’s rights issue,” says Amy Margolis, a shareholder with the firm’s Cannabis Law practice.

Greenspoon Marder is dedicated to supporting our cannabis clients and their legal businesses and will continue to monitor closely any further action by the Department of Justice.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder LLP is committed to providing excellent client service through our cross-disciplinary, client-team approach. Our goal is to understand the challenges that our clients face, build collaborative relationships, and craft creative solutions designed and executed with long-term strategic goals in mind. Since our inception in 1981, Greenspoon Marder LLP has become a full-service, Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 ranked law firm with more than 200 attorneys. We serve Fortune 500, middle-market public and private companies, start-ups, emerging businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs across the United States. For more information, visit www.gmlaw.com.

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